Best Ironworker Boots For Comfort And Safety

Being an ironworker is challenging. This is because there are plenty of dangers that come with it. Some of the most common ones include: falling, cuts, burns, muscle strain and many others. One of the best ways of protecting yourself from these dangers is to wear work boots.

Dangers of being an ironworker

Falling

Since you are most of the time working a few feet above the ground, there is always the risk of slipping and falling. The accidents are most common during the rainy or icy seasons when the beams are slippery. When you fall, you not only risk breaking your bones, you can also die.

Cuts

This is a no-brainer. Iron is not only tough, it’s also sharp which puts you at the risk of cutting yourself when working. You can cut your hand, limb, or even your legs—when you aren’t wearing the right work boots.

Burns

Fire and iron go together. When you are putting together two or more pieces of iron, you need to use the welding equipment. As an ironworker you are not only burnt by the welding equipment, you can also get burnt by the sparks that might cause serious damage, especially when they get into your eyes.

To protect yourself from this you should always wear protective glasses, welding gloves, and clothing. You also should be keen when working as the vapor and heat resulting from your welding activities can result to fire putting you at more risk.

Muscle strain

Iron is heavy, and most of the time you need to move it around. This lifting and bending can lead to muscle strain and even back pain. Even when you are using a crane, you still have to guide it, which results in more strain.

In addition to carrying a lot of weight, you also have to be on your feet for a long time, which adds to the muscle strain.

Features of the best ironworker boots

When you are buying the ironworker boots, you should go for those that will give you the service that you are interested in. Some of the features that you should go for when making the purchase include:

Certification: Since you will be working in a dangerous environment, you need to wear boots that are certified by the relevant safety body in your country. One of the most popular certification bodies is CSA.

Electric shock: This is important as iron is a good conductor of electricity. This means that if you step on a beam with bare legs, you stand to get electrocuted in the event the pole is connected to an electric circuit.

Also, since you will be working with welding machines, you need boots that won’t expose you to the electrical hazards. The best way of telling that the boots are resistant to electric shock is to look for the omega sign on the work boot.

Slip-resistant soles: As mentioned, one of the biggest dangers of being an ironworker is slipping and falling. To reduce your chances of doing it, you should wear slip resistant work boots. The cool thing is that there are very many of them on the market that you can go for.

Comfort: Just like your regular work boots, you don’t want safety shoes that will be uncomfortable to wear the entire day. The first thing you should do is to ensure that the boots have the right fit.

When you are buying the work boot, always try it on. If it’s too big or too small for you, stay away from it.

You also should ensure that the boot has enough cushioning that will take the pressure off your feet. If you work in the wet or cold areas, ensure that the boots are waterproof. This is to eliminate the chances of water getting into the boots making it hard for you to work.

Durability: Who wants to go to the stores now and then? I bet no one. When you are buying the boots, you should ensure that they have sturdy construction. This calls for you to ensure that they are made from high-quality materials such as leather. They also should be made using a tough construction method such as welt.

You should avoid a cheap ironworker boot as it won’t give you the good service that you are looking for.

The cheap work boot also will most likely come apart after only a few weeks or months requiring you to purchase a new one, which will cause a lot of inconvenience and expenses on your side.

Raise: This is how tall the work boots are. For you to provide optimum protection to your feet, you should go for boots that have a high raise. This way you can even tuck your work pants in the boots thus keeping your feet as protected as possible.

Thorogood ironworker boots

The Thorogood is loved by many ironworkers as the boots are made in America. This gives the people peace of mind as they are sure that the boots are of high quality. The best Thorogood ironworker boots that you can buy are:

Mande form rugged tobacco gladiator tanned leather, these work boots will provide you with all the protection you need when working with iron.

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Protection

In addition to the tough leather, the work shoes also feature steel safety toes that protect your feet from falling and rolling hazards that you might come across at the work site.

When you are walking on the steel beams, the last thing you want is slipping and falling.

These shoes are equipped with non-slip, non-marking MaxWear rubber outsoles. This gives you peace of mind as you know that you can fall.

Since you deal with electricity most of the time as an ironworker, these shoes provide you with ASTM-certified electrical hazard protection thus you can have peace of mind that even if you step on the electrical wires, you can’t hurt your feet.

Comfort

Since you will be on your feet most of the day, these work boots are made to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. The shoes have a cotton drill lining that wicks away moisture leaving your feet dry and comfortable.

The shoes also have removable dual-density shock absorbing inserts that take up the shock when you step on the steel beams. The fiberglass shanks provide your feet with essential arch support which comes in handy in helping you fight foot fatigue.

Durability

To ensure that you don’t go to the stores to buy new shoes now and then, these Thorogood work boots are made from tough leather. They are also made using the Goodyear welt construction that not only makes the boots last for a long time, it also ensures that the boots look good.

What we didn't like

Durability, function, and performance are what these ironworker boots bring to the table.

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Durability

The shoes are crafted from tobacco gladiator oil-tanned leather which ensures that they last for a long time. The Goodyear welt construction also comes in handy in giving the shoes unmatched strength.

Comfort

No one wants to be uncomfortable when working. To ensure that you are as comfortable as possible when working, these shoes feature a cotton drill vamp lining that provides a breathable environment for your feet.

The removable, dual density shock absorbing insole provides you with superior cushioning when you are stepping on the steel beams and other surfaces.

The fiberglass shank and rubber midsole provide your feet with arch support, which prevents you from fatigue.

Protection

The slip and oil resistant wedge outsole protects you from slipping and falling when working. The work boots are electrical hazard rated; therefore, you don’t have to worry when you step on a live wire.

The shoes are ankle high and made from tough leather. Due to this, they provide your feet with optimum protection even from the fire sparks that might result when you are welding.

Features and specifications

Made from leather

Polyurethane MAXwear wedge sole

Engineered composite shank for comfort and stability

Goodyear welt construction

Removable, dual-density ultimate shock absorption insert

Rubber midsole

Oil and slip resistant polyurethane wedge outsole

Ankle high

Moc-toe stitching

What we liked

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Sturdy construction

Beautiful design thus you can wear them even out of work

Very comfortable

What we didn't like

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We had size issues thus we had to return them so that we could get the right size

Protection

As an ironworker, you are looking for a work boot that will provide you with optimum protection against the hazards that you find at the work site.

The safety shoes are made from tobacco leather that is tough and provides you with all the protection you need.

They are made using the famous Goodyear welt construction method where the Vibram outsoles are attached to the flexible leather uppers.

Since you deal with electricity, there is need to protect your feet from it. The shoes have a composite shank that can’t conduct heat.

This gives you peace of mind as you don’t have to worry about electrocuting yourself. In addition to this, the shoes have ESR rated soles that don’t collect shock.

In the event you step on a live wire, the shoes absorb up to 18, 000 volts of electricity which comes in handy in protecting your feet.

The outsole is made from rubber and has a slip-resistant thread that gives you exceptional traction. This comes in handy in protecting you from falling when walking on the iron beams.

The boots are steel toed. If you have used steel toe work boots before you know that they provide great protection against crushing impact and dangerous compression.

Comfort

Who said you shouldn’t be comfortable when working? These shoes have a number of features that make them very comfortable to wear. The boots are very flexible which allows them to easily bend and twist making it easy for you to walk around.

The safety shoes also have a cotton drill vamp that surrounds your feet and absorbs the sweat that your feet produce. This leaves your feet dry and comfortable.

The 4000 comfort cushion footbeds absorb the shock that your feet produce. The cool thing is that the footbeds conform to your feet. When you stretch or bend, the boots remain properly cushioned. If you need to clean the footbeds, you only need to pull them out of the shoe.

Finally, the boots are lightweight which makes them it very easy to walk around in them the entire day.

Durability

Since the shoes are made from tough, tobacco leather, you can have peace of mind that they will last for a long time. The leather is usually oil-tanned which makes it even tougher and stronger; thus the boots last for a long time.

The Goodyear construction not only ensures that the boot provides you with optimum protection, it also contributes to the long life of the work boots.

Features and specifications

Composite shank

Made from tobacco leather

Made in the US

Removable footbed for comfort

Lightweight

Very flexible

Cotton drill vamp lining

Poron 4000 comfort cushion footbeds

Goodyear welt construction

Rubber outsole that is slip and oil resistant

Steel toed

What we liked

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Easy to break in as they are flexible

Very comfortable

Beautiful design thus you can wear them even out of the workplace

What we didn't like

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They are narrow thus you should be cautious especially if you have wide feet.

Carolina ironworker boots

Carolina work boots are known for their unmatched comfort, flawless performance, and top-notch quality. While there are many Carolina ironworker boots on the market that you can go for, only a few are right for you. To help you out, here are some of the best that you should go for:

Protection

The shoes have full grain leather uppers that protect your feet from the fire sparks that result when you are welding.

As someone who works in hot environments, you know the importance of soles that can withstand the high heat. The sole is made from nitrile rubber.

Unlike the regular rubber, this material can withstand up to 572 degrees of heat without melting.

The soles are not only resistant to heat, they also protect your feet from any danger that comes about from stepping on oils and solvents.

The Kevlar style of stitching used in making these boots ensures that the uppers don’t burn or melt when you are working in the hot environments.

In addition to the leather, the shoes also feature a heavy plastic-dense material that has a layer of foam. This also comes in handy in protecting your feet from the heat.

Finally, the leather-wrapped external metatarsal guards are industry tested and approved to provide you with optimum protection to your feet. The steel toes protect your feet from falling objects.

Comfort

When you are sweating at the work site, the last thing you want is a work boot that is uncomfortable to wear. This shoe has a Cambrelle lining that absorbs the sweat from your feet leaving the feet dry and comfortable.

The insoles of the boots are made from lightweight, but usually dense material that not only makes the boots comfortable to wear, it also makes the boots easy to walk around in.

The boots are made using the Dryz technology that wicks away moisture and kills odor-producing bacteria. This too contributes greatly to keeping your feet dry and soft the entire day.

The leather used in making the work boots molds to the shape of your feet giving you a comfortable, custom fit.

Durability

To give you peace of mind that the boots will last for a long time, they are made from high-quality leather that can withstand the tough conditions of the work site. The Goodyear welt construction method also ensures that the boots have sturdy construction.

Cons

These work boots are designed to be all-terrain, all-purpose, but why not use them as your ironworker work boots?

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Protection

This is one of the main reasons you are looking for the work boots. They are made from high-quality leather that provides you with optimum protection.

The work boots are also tough and rugged which allows you to comfortably walk on the iron beams without worrying that they will get torn.

The work boots are built with Goodyear welt construction which ensures that you get the best protection.

The soles are made from rubber and have an aggressive tread pattern that aids in creating increased traction. This comes in handy in protecting you from falling when working.

The pair is crafted to meet the electrical hazard requirements; therefore, you can have peace of mind when working that even if you step on a live wire, you can’t be electrocuted.

Comfort

To ensure your comfort when working, the boots have a 100% waterproof membrane that protects your feet from the water. This leaves your feet dry and comfortable even when working in a wet area.

Other features that contribute to the comfort of the work boots include: cushy EVA insole, rubber lug outsole that provides you with flexibility, and supportive steel shank for stability.

Durability

As an ironworker, you not only want a work boot that protects your feet when working, you also want a unit that is durable. As mentioned, the work boot is made from leather; therefore, you can have peace of mind that it will last for a long time.

The boot is also made using the world famous welt construction method. This too contributes to its toughness and durability.

Features and specifications

Made from leather

Leather outsoles

Lug-sole

Steel toed

100% waterproof

Welt construction

One-piece rubber lug outsole

Electrical hazard rated

Oil, electrical, and slip resistant

Aggressive tread pattern

Metal eyelets

Steel shank for comfort

Pros

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Beautiful design thus you can wear the boot out of the workplace

Very comfortable to wear

Tough

Cons

Irish setter ironworker boots

Coming from a company that was established in the 1950s, Irish setter ironworker boots feature ground-breaking technologies that ensure that the boots are tough, durable and comfortable. Some of the best Irish setter ironworker boots in the market that you can go for include:

There are plenty of features that make these work boots an ideal choice for your ironworker project.

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Protection

They are made from trout brook leather. This is leather that has been crafted specifically for the Irish Setter brand. This gives you peace of mind that you will get the best protection for your feet.

The sole and heel are designed to reduce hazards in the event you come into contact with live wires at the work site.

The soles are also designed and tested to perform at ultra-high environments. In fact, the soles can withstand temperatures of up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.

To protect you from falling when working, the soles have rough grains thus you can’t slip.

Comfort

Who wants to be uncomfortable when working? To provide you with comfort, the work boots are lined with Irish Setter’s own ultra-dry waterproofing system that ensures that your feet are dry all the time.

The six inches in height, brings the boots above your ankle which contributes to their comfort as your foot has more support.

Inside these ironworker boots, there is a removable polyurethane footbed that cushions and supports your feet the entire day.

Durability

Since the shoes are made from full grain leather, they are tough thus you can have peace of mind that they will last for a long time.

The boots are also made using the famous Goodyear welt construction method which as you know is one of the best in the industry.

Features and specifications

Made from full grain leather

Slip and oil resistant rubber sole

5.5” shaft

Large opening for easy wearing and removal

Electrical hazard rated

Heat resistant outsole

Non-woven nylon lining

Antique brass eyelets

Waterproof

Flexible

Ultra dry waterproofing system

Removable polyurethane footbed

Pros

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Comfortable

Lightweight and flexible

Beautiful design thus you can wear them out of the work site

Tough construction

Cons

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We had sizing issues; therefore, you should be keen when ordering so that you order the right size

They were originally designed for use on the hunting grounds, but this shouldn’t fool you that you can’t use them at your workplace.

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Since they are tough enough for hunting, you can have peace of mind that they will withstand the hard ironworker’s work.

Protection

They are made from full-grain leather that protects your feet from any dangers that you might come across at the work site.

The outsole has a tread pattern that prevents you from slipping and falling when working.

Comfort

This Irish setter work boots has plenty of features that ensure that you are as comfortable as possible when working.

The safety shoes have an ultra-dry waterproofing feature that keeps your feet dry the entire day even when working in a wet environment.

To keep the body heat in the work shoe, these work boots are lightweight and breathable. The insulating material is the one that traps air in the shoe.

The Cambrelle-covered footbed wicks away moisture that comes in handy in keeping your boots comfortable the entire day. According to the manufacturers, the Cambrelle can absorb up to 3 times its weight before it feels damp.

Finally, the boots have an EVA midsole which is a durable plastic foam material that provides you with extra cushioning.

Durability

To give you peace of mind that you won’t be heading to the stores to buy new boots after just a short time, these shoes are made from high-quality leather.

The boots are also made using the Goodyear welt construction method. The construction not only ensures that the boots last for a long time, it also makes it easy for you to re-sole them in the event the sole wears out.

Features and specifications

Made from full grain leather

Ankle-high for added support

Ultra-dry waterproofing technology

Removable footbed

Steel support shank

EVA midsole for underfoot cushioning

Oil and slip resistant rubber outsole

Padded collar

Goodyear welt construction

Aggressive tread pattern

Steel shank for more support

Not waterproofed

Thinsulate insulation

Pros

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Comfortable

Lightweight and flexible

Beautiful design thus you can wear them out of the work site

Tough construction

Cons

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We had sizing issues; therefore, you should be keen when ordering so that you order the right size

Cons

How to take care of your ironworker boots

You should take care of your boots just as you take care of your regular shoes. You should clean them at the end of the workday. This is not only to keep them looking clean, but it also aids in getting rid of harmful bacteria that can damage the materials used in making the shoes.

At least once a month, you should condition the boots to maintain the original look of the boots and also lengthen their life.

When you are working with welding machines, the biggest issue is fire. Regardless of the material used in making the work boots, you should always ensure that they don’t get burnt.

This calls for you to be extra cautious when using the welding machines. You also should watch out where you step as you can step on a hot surface thus damaging your boots in the process.

To help you out, here are some of the best ironworker boots that you can go for:

Conclusion

These are some of the best ironworker boots on the market that you can go for. When buying the shoes, always go for the highest quality ones in the market that you can afford.

This calls for you to buy the boots from a reputable store. After buying them, take good care of them so that they not only look good, but also last for a long time.

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